Export Snapshot
India is a leading exporter of ceramic and porcelain bathroom tiles. The Morbi cluster in Gujarat is the country’s largest production hub, accounting for the majority of exports. Indian tiles reach markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, with steady year-on-year growth in both volume and value.
Market Size and Demand
The global ceramic and porcelain tile market is valued in the tens of billions of US dollars and is projected to grow at a mid- to high-single-digit annual rate through the decade. Rising urbanisation, housing upgrades, and hospitality projects are driving consistent demand for bathroom tiles worldwide. India’s domestic tile industry is also expanding quickly, creating economies of scale that support competitive export pricing.
Product Range and Buyer Expectations
Exported bathroom tile types include glazed porcelain floor tiles, glazed wall tiles, vitrified and full-body porcelain slabs, mosaics, and large-format rectified tiles. Buyers typically expect:
- Low water absorption (≤ 0.5 % for porcelain classification)
- High abrasion resistance for floor applications
- Consistent dimensional tolerances, especially for rectified edges
- High-quality surface finishes—polished, matte, or textured
- Slip resistance suitable for wet areas
- Batch traceability to ensure colour and finish matching
HS Classification
Bathroom tiles fall under the international HS Code Chapter 69 (ceramic products), with specific sub-codes depending on whether the tiles are glazed, unglazed, porcelain, or another type. Exporters confirm the precise code with their buyers and destination customs to ensure correct tariff treatment.
India’s Regional Strengths
Morbi in Gujarat hosts hundreds of tile manufacturing units with advanced digital printing technology and efficient logistics. Competitive production costs, quick turnaround for private-label orders, and a skilled workforce make India an attractive sourcing base for large-volume as well as premium projects.
Quality Standards and Testing
Key international benchmarks include ISO 13006 (classification), EN 14411 (European classification), and the ISO 10545 series for test methods. India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) also provides specifications such as IS 15622 for pressed ceramic tiles. Export buyers typically request data on water absorption, modulus of rupture, abrasion resistance, coefficient of friction, and dimensional tolerances.
Supply Chain and Packaging
Tile production uses high-grade clays, feldspar, kaolin, and glazing frits, fired in high-temperature kilns. Export packaging involves edge protectors, foam dividers, pallets, and moisture barriers to prevent damage during long sea shipments. Clear labelling with batch numbers, size, and finish is essential for installation consistency.
Challenges and Risks
Global competition, freight costs for heavy products, colour or finish variation between batches, and breakage during transit are the main challenges. Premium large-format tiles require tighter dimensional control and higher tooling investment.
Opportunities for Exporters
Indian manufacturers can target multiple segments:
- Economy vitrified tiles for high-volume projects
- Design-led digital and rectified porcelain for mid-range markets
- Large-format porcelain slabs for premium residential and commercial interiors
Offering sample boards, technical test reports, and private-label packaging helps win orders from retailers, distributors, and hospitality chains.
